Moffitt memorial scholarship award established

Bethesda, USA, September 06, 2007: The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), in cooperation with MAPPS, The Association of Photogrammetry, Mapping, and Geospatial Firms, and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) announced the establishment of The Francis H. “Frank” Moffitt Scholarship Award. Friends and colleagues of Moffitt (1922-2007) in these organizations created this scholarship in memory of his contributions to surveying and photogrammetry and his leadership in these organizations.

The award consists of a USD 2,000 check, a certificate, and a one-year student or associate membership (new or renewed) in ASPRS. The scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate studies in surveying and photogrammetry leading to a professional career in geospatial technologies. It is expected that the award will be given for the first time at the ASPRS 2007 Conference in Portland, Oregon next May.

During his 36 years as Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, Moffitt authored two textbooks, Surveying and Photogrammetry, which provided the basic fundamentals to many thousands of civil engineering, surveying, remote sensing, and forestry students throughout the world. Moffitt was also a prominent figure in the field of surveying and photogrammetry and served as National Director for ACSM (1967-1970), President of ASPRS (1979), and President of MAPPS (1986-1987).

This memorial scholarship is sponsored by MAPPS, ASPRS and ACSM and will be administered through the ASPRS Foundation. The goal is to eventually fully endow this award. An initial period of fund raising will occur over a five-year period, thus allowing a potential contributor to make a pledge with incremental contributions. One-time contributions will be accepted and encouraged. Six contribution levels have been established that reflect Professor Moffitt’s professional life: Supporter ($99 or less); Student ($100 to $499); Professional ($500 to $999); Professor ($1,000 to $4,999); President ($5,000 to $9,999); Honor ($10,000 or more).